The Detroit Lions have been perfectly content with running it back this offseason at their pass rush. Aidan Hutchinson isn't exactly your typical "fall back" option - he's the entire entree, so to speak, when it comes to their defensive planning. Hutchinson being healthy changes things for the Lions defense significantly, and it helps them prepare for a deep postseason run.
Last season, Za'Darius Smith was the centerpiece of a big trade Detroit made with the Cleveland Browns to add firepower to that room with Hutchinson down in Week 5. He played really well, but was released from the team this offseason and allowed to explore other teams as a free agent. It doesn't seem like he really wants to stray to far given his latest comments on the Lions, though.
At the BET Awards, where he was a guest to rapper Kash Doll, Smith told USA Today:
“We both know where I want to be. Hopefully I can get back to Detroit because the coaching staff and everybody in the front office are great. When I’m there I feel like a leader and like I can influence the young guys and do great things. Hopefully I can get back to where I want to be in Detroit.”
Smith wants back in Detroit
The Lions have been pretty mum on why they've been fine with really only featuring Hutchinson as their major pass rush piece. The NFL draft landed them Ahmed Hassanein for some depth at that position, and they do have Marcus Davenport in the wings to help in that room.
But, Hutchinson needs help - and the team doesn't seem prepared to make a huge swing trade for someone like Trey Hendrickson or T.J. Watt in order to get him that support. So, it makes sense that Smith would probably be someone they've been keeping in contact with and keeping tabs on - he already knows the team, knows their system, and fits in with their culture.
Smith and Hutchinson would be an incredible duo at pass rush which would be a ridiculous punch to add to a Lions defense shaping up to be atop the NFC already. Their secondary featuring Brian Branch, D.J. Reed, Terrion Arnold, and Kerby Joseph is already absurd, so adding a stopgap in the trenches to add onto that air defense would do wonders for Detroit amidst a tough schedule.
